School Bus Safety Devices and Systems

ABSTRACT

In one instance, a light weight safety arm is coupled to and extends beyond a stop sign coupled to a motor-driven rotatable mount on an exterior side of a school bus. In another instance, a school bus safety device is disclosed that includes a stop sign portion, an arm portion, and a mounting portion. The arm portion, stop sign portion and mounting portion are cut out together as one piece from a single sheet of material. Other embodiments and variations are further disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/349,083, filed by Daniel F. Thompson, on Jun. 4, 2022, entitled “School Bus Safety Devices and Systems,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to safety, and more specifically, to school bus safety devices and systems.

BACKGROUND

There are thousands and thousands of school buses in the world used to transport children of varying ages to school. At times, a child entering or exiting a school bus will go around the front of the bus and across traffic without sufficient care to look carefully before crossing. Moreover, at times, cars behind a school bus impatiently accelerate to pass the school bus that is loading or off-loading children. This can present dangerous situations for children, and it is desirable to do everything possible to keep children safe. Improvements in safety devices for buses are desired.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bus having a safety device mounted to a pivotable STOP sign;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative embodiment for mounting to a STOP sign having a bracket and an arm;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a pivotable STOP sign to which a safety device has been coupled;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative embodiment of a safety device for coupling to a pivotable STOP sign and having a second STOP sign on a distal end;

FIG. 5 is schematic elevation view of a portion of an illustrative embodiment of an arm for use as an aspect of a safety device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a safety device showing an illustrative arm in a bracket according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic end-view of an illustrative arm shown in an illustrative bracket;

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevation view of an illustrative embodiment of a bracket;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the arm shown if FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 is a detail of the cross-section of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a detail end view of a bottom portion of an arm within a bracket according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic end-view of another illustrative embodiment of an arm;

FIG. 13 is a schematic detail of a portion of the arm of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is another schematic detail of a portion of the arm of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 is a schematic end-view of a top portion of an arm within a bracket according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustrative embodiment of a safety device for mounting to a bus, which has a pivotable STOP sign, and includes an arm extending to a second STOP sign;

FIG. 17 is a detail of a portion of the safety device of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is an illustrative embodiment of a one-piece safety device with a pivotable STOP sign and arm;

FIG. 19 is an illustrative embodiment of a multiple-piece safety device with a pivotable STOP sign and arm;

FIG. 20 is an illustrative embodiment of a one-piece safety device with a pivotable STOP sign, an arm, and a second STOP sign;

FIG. 21 is an illustrative embodiment of an arm of a safety device having a hinged section;

FIG. 22 is an illustrative embodiment of a clear or translucent backlit safety device;

FIG. 23 is an illustrative embodiment of an arm of a safety device having a tab;

FIG. 24 is an illustrative embodiment of a safety device having slotted bracket for receiving an arm; and

FIG. 25 is a is a schematic end-view of the bracket of FIG. 24 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, as used throughout this document, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.

Referring to the figures and initially to FIG. 1 , a school bus 100 is shown in a disembarking or an unloading mode. A pivotable STOP sign 104 is pivotably mounted to the bus 100 on a motor-driven pivotable mount 106 and is shown in the extended position and has a safety device 108. A portion of the safety device 108 extends towards or into a lane of traffic adjacent to the bus. The safety device 108 includes a bracket 112 and an arm 116, or extension. The arm 116 may include a plurality of lights 120, such as LED lights. The safety device 108 extends to warn any vehicles, such as a car 124, which may be approaching from the rear 128 of the school bus 100. This warning is important because children exiting the school bus who are going to the opposite side of the street will walk around to the front 132 of the school bus 100.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the illustrative embodiment of the safety device 108 is shown in more detail. The pivotal STOP sign 104 has a light or safety light 136. The sign includes the word, “STOP” 138, written on both sides of it. Each bracket 112—two are shown in FIG. 3 —receives a bottom portion 140 of a STOP sign 104 in the bracket 112 and is sandwiched into a portion of the bracket 112 as will be explained below. Fasteners, such as bolts 144 or screws, may be used to couple the bracket 112 and the sign 104. Fasteners 148 may be used to couple the bracket 112 to the arm 116. Reflective tape 150 may be applied to all or a portion of the arm 116. As shown in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, a second STOP sign 152 may be attached to the arm 116. The arm 116 has a first end 156 and a second end 160, or distal end. The second STOP 152 is coupled proximate the second end 160 using a second set of brackets 164, which are constructed in the same manner as and analogous to the brackets 112. The arm 116 has a longitudinal length 166 that is between 2 feet and 6 feet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other dimensions may be used.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 5 , a portion of the arm 116 is shown. The arm 116 has a top 168 and a bottom 172 with a vertical portion 176 therebetween. The vertical portion 176 may include a rib 180 for strength. The arm 116 may have a first bulb 184, or a locator rail, formed at the top 168 and second bulb 188 formed at the bottom 172. The arm 116 may be formed from fiberglass or aluminum or other lightweight strong material. Alternatively, the arm 116 may be formed from another metal, such as steel or stainless steel or a polymer.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 6 , a perspective view of a portion of the safety device 108 is shown. The arm 116 is shown at one end going into the bracket 112. The bracket 112 has a bottom portion 192 and a top portion 196. The arm 116 is coupled in the bottom portion 192, which includes a sleeve 200 (FIG. 7 ), and the top portion 196 includes a slot 204 that receives a portion of a sign. The top portion 196 includes a first set of apertures 208 for fasteners 144 (FIG. 3 ) to secure the sign in the slot 204. The bottom portion 192 includes a second set of apertures 212 for receiving fasteners 148 (FIG. 3 ) to secure the bracket 112 to the arm 116. The bracket 112 may be formed from any suitable materials which may be transparent or sufficiently translucent, e.g., clear polymers, clear polycarbonate, etc. Alternatively, the bracket 112 may be formed from an opaque material and be painted or otherwise marked so that the portion of the bracket 112 that overlaps a sign when installed mimics the portion of the sign that is covered by the bracket 112.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the bracket 112 and arm 116 are shown in an end view. In this view, one may see the sleeve 200 in which the arm 116 is disposed. One may also see the slot 204 that receives a portion of a sign, e.g., pivotable sign 104 (FIG. 4 ) or second stop sign 152 (FIG. 4 ). The bracket 112 has a vertical dimension 216 in the range of 6 to inches. Other dimension may be used. The top portion 196 has a first side 220 and a second side 224 that are opposite one another and form the slot 204. The two sides 220, 224 are pulled towards each other by the fasteners 144 (FIG. 3 ) to help secure and hold the sign 104, 152 (FIG. 4 ). A bottom portion 228 of the slot 204, which is also a top portion 232 of the sleeve 200, is sized and configured to receive the first bulb 184 with a clearance less than 0.05 inches in some embodiments. The slot 204 of the bracket 112 has a vertical dimension 236 in the range of 3 and inches. The slot 204 has a gap dimension 240 in the range of 0.08 to 0.16 inches or otherwise sized to accommodate the thickness of the sign 104. The top portion 196 has an overall width dimension 242 in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 inches, and in one illustrative embodiment is 0.4 inches. The bracket 112 has longitudinal dimension 244 in the direction of the arm 116 when assembled in the range of 2.0 and 8.0 inches. Again, other dimensions are possible. The bracket 112 may be formed by two parts that are pulled together by fasteners, e.g., 144, 148.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 9 , a cross section of the arm 116 is shown. The arm 116 has a vertical dimension 248 in the range of 2 and 8 inches and in one embodiment is 3.94 inches. The arm 116 has a lateral width 252 of the vertical portion 176 (FIG. 5 ) in the range to 0.25 inches. FIG. 10 shows the second bulb 188 has first radius 256 in the range of to 0.3 inches and in one embodiment is 0.19 inches. The second bulb 188 terminates with a second radius 260, which is in the range of 0.06 to 0.1 inches and in one embodiment is 0.07 inches. The first bulb 184, in the depicted embodiment has the same size and shape as the second bulb 188. In other embodiments, first bulb 184 and second bulb have different sizes and shapes.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 11 , the lowest portion of the bottom portion 192 has a bottom portion 264 that is sized and configured to receive the second bulb 188 with a gap 268 between the arm 116 and bracket 112. In one illustrative embodiment, the gap 268 is between 0.01 and 0.04 inches and in one illustrative embodiment is 0.023 inches. The bottom portion 264 has a primary radius 272 and secondary radius 276. In one illustrative embodiment, the primary radius is between 0.1 and 0.25 inches and the secondary radius 276 is between 0.05 and 0.12 inches. Again, other dimensions are possible.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 12-15 , an alternative embodiment of an arm 116 is presented. The arm has differently shaped bulbs 184, 188 and is formed with a rib 280, or indented rib. The rib 280 may have a vertical dimension 284. In some embodiments, vertical dimension 284 is in the range of 0.05-0.12 inches. In one embodiment, vertical dimension 284 is 0.085 inches. The indented rib 280 may have a horizontal dimension 281. In some embodiments, horizontal dimension 281 is in the range of 0.04 to 0.6 inches. The transition area 285 has two radii: 282, 283. In some embodiments, radii 282 and 283 are in the range of 0.1-0.5 inches. In some embodiments, radii 282 and 283 are both 0.25 inches. The first bulb 184 and the second bulb 188 may have three radii: 288, 292, 296. As shown in FIG. 15 , the bracket's top portion 228 is sized and configured to receive the first bulb 184 with a gap 257 between the arm 116 and bracket 112. In one illustrative embodiment, the gap 257 is between 0.01 and 0.04 inches and in one illustrative embodiment is 0.023 inches. The first bulb 184 has a first bulb width 287 (FIG. 12 ) that is in the range of 0.3 to 0.4 inches. The vertical portion 176 (see Figure has a vertical dimension 291 (FIG. 12 ) in the range of 1.2 to 7.2 inches. Likewise, the bracket's bottom portion 264 is sized and configured to receive the second bulb 188 in an analogous fashion. In some embodiments, the first bulb 184 and the second bulb 188 have the same size and shape. In some embodiments, first bulb 184 and the second bulb 188 have different sizes or shapes, and the corresponding top portion 228 and bottom portion 264 are sized and configured to receive the first bulb 184 and the second bulb 188, respectively.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 16-17 , another illustrative embodiment of the safety device 300 is shown that is suitable for original equipment manufacture (OEM) of buses or retrofit. The safety device 300 may include an aluminum or fiberglass arm 304 that has a first end 308 and a second end 312. The arm 304 is coupled to a first stop sign 316 at the first end 308. The first end 308 is coupled to a pivoting assembly (not explicitly shown) or motor-driven pivotable mount (see 106 in FIG. 1 ) as one skilled in the art will understand. On the second end 312 of the arm 304, a second stop sign 320 is coupled. A plurality of lights 324 are coupled on the arm 304.

According to an illustrative embodiment, a safety device 300 for mounting to a pivoting stop sign 316 on a school bus 100 includes an arm 304 that in cross section has a vertical dimension (see e.g., 248 in FIG. 12 ) and a horizontal dimension (see e.g., 252 in FIG. 9 ). The ratio of the horizontal dimension 252 to the vertical dimension 248 is 0.32 and in another embodiment is in the range 0.00625 to 0.125. In one embodiment, the arm 304 has a vertical dimension 248 in the range of 4-8 inches. In one embodiment, vertical dimension 248 is 6 inches. The arm 304 has a longitudinal length 301 in the range of 2 to 6 feet. The first stop sign 316 and the second stop sign 320 have a width 302 in the range of 1-2 feet. In some embodiments width 302 is 1.5 feet.

According to an illustrative embodiment, a method of improving the safety of a school bus 100 having a pivotable stop sign 104 on a left side of the bus 100, the method includes providing a clear polycarbonate bracket 112 having a slot 204 for receiving a portion of the pivotable stop sign 104 and coupling the bracket 112 to the pivotable stop sign 104. The method also includes coupling a fiberglass or aluminum arm 116 to the bracket 112 such that when the pivotable stop sign 104 is extended, the arm 116 extends outward from the bus 100 by at least two feet. The arm 116 has a plurality of lights 120 coupled thereto.

In one illustrative embodiment, an existing bus 100 is retrofitted with the safety device 108 according to the following steps:

Open side panel on the school bus and disconnect power to the stop arm box (motor-driven pivotable mount 106 in FIG. 1 ).

Remove the screws, e.g., 5/16-inch screws, from the front and back of the stop arm box and take the cover off.

Open stop arm manually.

Take out the 4 plastic brackets 112. Place one bracket on the left end of the arm 116 extension (the side with the wires is the backside of the arm), mark the two holes in the bracket 112. On the marks, using a drill bit, e.g., ⅜″, drill the two marked holes. Take two of the plastic brackets 112 and using two bolts, four washers and two nuts install the bracket 112 to the arm 116 (nuts should be facing the back of the arm).

Measure light 136 (FIG. 2 .) on the stop arm (the existing stub arm on the pivotable stop sign 104) and add ¼ inch (usually 5″ lights 136). Measuring from the left bracket 112 the distance of light 136 plus ¼ inch, mark the two holes in the bracket 112. On the marks, using a drill bit (e.g., ⅜″), drill the two marked holes. Take the two plastic brackets 112 and using two bolts, four washers and two nuts install the bracket 112 to the arm 116 (nuts should be facing the back of the arm).

Using a clamp or by holding in place, put the arm 116 on the stop arm, centering the bracket 112 around the stop arm light 136 (brackets 112 go on the outside on either side of the stop sign 104). The top of the arm 116 should be resting on the bottom of the stop sign 104 and arm 116 should be level horizontally. Mark the four drill holes 208, 212. Remove the arm 116, and on the marks, using a drill bit, drill the four marked holes. Place the arm 116 back on the stop sign 104 and using four bolts, eight washers and four nuts install the brackets 112 to the stop sign 104 (nuts should be facing the back of the arm, i.e., toward rear).

Take the wire harness and route towards the lower part of the stop arm box. Push the wires through the grommet on the bottom of the stop arm box. Use heat shrink butt connectors, reds together and blacks together to make a connection. Take a wire and put red with red and black with black.

Use a black wire to ground (use the ground connector).

Using a “T” connector, place on blue trip wire (if needing to flash, place on flasher wire) and connect red wire to the connector.

Take excess wire and wrap inside stop arm box leaving some slack for the arm 116 to move from the stop arm box.

Place a plastic tubing over wires to keep together.

Place the cover back onto stop arm box and secure with screws (e.g., 5/16 screws).

Return power to the stop arm box. The stop arm should cradle itself.

Start the school bus and turn on master switch, activate the eight-way yellows, open service door. The stop arm should deploy with the arm 116 now illuminated.

There are many examples of the various embodiments described herein. A number of examples follow.

Example 1. A safety device for mounting to a pivoting stop sign on a school bus, the safety device comprising:

-   -   a first bracket having a slot for receiving a portion of the         pivoting sign, wherein the first bracket is formed from a         polymer material that is transparent or translucent;     -   an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first         end is coupled to the first bracket, and wherein the arm has a         longitudinal length in the range of two feet to six feet; and a         plurality of lights coupled to the arm.

Example 2. The safety device of Example 1, further comprising reflective safety tape coupled to the arm along the longitudinal length of the arm.

Example 3. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the arm comprises fiberglass.

Example 4. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the first bracket comprises a clear polycarbonate material.

Example 5. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the first bracket has a vertical dimension in the range of 6 to 10 inches.

Example 6. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the first bracket has a plurality of apertures through the first bracket, and further comprising a plurality of fasteners extending through the plurality of apertures and pulling opposite sides of the slot towards each other.

Example 7. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the arm in a lateral cross section has a first bulb on a top end and a second bulb on a second end.

Example 8. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the arm in a lateral cross section has a first bulb on a top end and a second bulb on a second end; and wherein a bottom portion of the slot is sized and configured to receive the first bulb with a clearance less than 0.05 inches.

Example 9. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the slot has a vertical dimension in the range of 3 and 5 inches.

Example 10. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the slot has a gap dimension in the range of 0.8 and 0.3 inches.

Example 11. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the first bracket has longitudinal dimension in the direction of the arm when assembled in the range of 2.0 and 8.0 inches.

Example 12. The safety device of Example 1, wherein the first bracket has longitudinal dimension in the direction of the arm when assembled is 4 inches.

Example 13. The safety device of Example 1, further comprising a second bracket coupled to the second end of the arm, and a second stop sign coupled to the second bracket.

Example 14. The safety device of Example 1:

-   -   further comprising reflective safety tape coupled to the arm         along the longitudinal length of the arm;     -   wherein the arm comprises fiberglass;     -   wherein the bracket comprises a clear polycarbonate material;     -   wherein the bracket has a plurality of apertures through the         bracket, and further comprising a plurality of fasteners         extending through the plurality of apertures and pulling         opposite sides of the slot towards each other;     -   wherein the bracket has a vertical dimension in the range of 6         to 10 inches;     -   wherein the slot has a vertical dimension in the range of 3 and         5 inches;     -   wherein the slot has a gap dimension in the range of 0.8 and 0.3         inches;     -   wherein the bracket has longitudinal dimension in the direction         of the arm when assembled in the range of 2.0 and 8.0 inches;         and     -   wherein the arm in a lateral cross section has a first bulb on a         top end and a second bulb on a second end; and wherein a bottom         portion of the slot is sized and configured to receive the first         bulb with a clearance less than 0.05 inches.

Example 15. A safety device for mounting to a pivoting stop sign on a school bus, the safety device comprising:

-   -   an arm that in cross section has a vertical dimension and a         horizontal dimension wherein the ratio of the horizontal         dimension to the vertical dimension is less than 0.4, wherein         the arm has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal         end;     -   wherein the arm has a longitudinal length in the range of 1 to 6         feet;     -   a second stop sign;     -   wherein the first longitudinal end is coupled to the pivoting         stop sign and the second longitudinal end is coupled to the         second stop sign; and     -   a plurality of lights coupled to the arm.

Example 16. The safety device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of lights comprises LED lights.

Example 17. A method of improving the safety of a school bus having a pivotable stop sign on a left side of the bus, the method comprising:

-   -   providing a clear polycarbonate bracket having a slot for         receiving a portion of the pivotable stop sign;     -   coupling the bracket to the pivotable stop sign;     -   coupling a fiberglass or aluminum arm to the bracket such that         when the pivotable stop sign is extended, the arm extends         outward from the bus by at least two feet; and     -   wherein the arm has a plurality of lights coupled thereto.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 18 , another embodiment of a safety device is shown. The safety device 400 is shown. The safety device 400 is configured for OEM installation on a school bus, for installation on a school bus that does not currently have a pivoting stop sign, or to replace a pivoting stop sign on a school bus. The safety device 400 is a single unit safety device, which incorporates both a STOP sign portion 404 and an arm portion 408 or arm, into a single unit. The safety device 400 has a first, or proximate end 412, and a second, or distal end 416. The STOP sign portion 404 is located near the proximate end 412. One side of the STOP sign portion 404 has a mounting bracket 420, or mounting portion, extending as a wing from the STOP sign portion 404 to form the proximate end of the safety device 400. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 420 has a vertical length 401 in the range of 5-10 inches. In some embodiments, the vertical length 401 is 7 1/16 inches. Mounting holes 422 are located within the wing formed by the mounting bracket 420. The mounting holes 422 are used to attach the safety device 400 to a pivoting mount (e.g., motor-driven pivotable mount 106 in FIG. 1 ) on a school bus. The STOP sign portion 404 has a width dimension 403 or longitudinal dimension. In some embodiments, the width dimension 403 is in the range of 1-2 feet. In some embodiments, the width dimension 403 is 1.5 feet. The arm 408 has a longitudinal length dimension 405. In some embodiments, the length dimension 405 is in the range of 2-6 feet. In some embodiments the length dimension 405 is in 4 feet 4¼ inches. The arm 408 has a height dimension 409 or vertical dimension. In some embodiments, the height dimension 409 is in the range of 3-8 inches. In some embodiments, the height dimension 409 is 6 inches. The safety device 400 has a height dimension 407 or vertical dimension. In some embodiments, the height dimension 407 is in the range of 1.5-2.5 feet. In some embodiments, the height dimension 407 is 1 foot 10 inches. The pivoting mount is motor driven to cause the safety device 400 to move from a non-deployed state, in which the safety device 400 is substantially parallel to the school bus, to a deployed state (see FIG. 1 ), in which the safety device 400 has been pivoted so that it is substantially perpendicular to the school bus. The arm portion 408 extends from a lower edge of the STOP sign portion 404 to the distal end 416 of the safety device 400. A plurality of weight reduction cutouts 424 is cut out of an interior portion of the arm portion 408 to form openings within the arm portion 408. The weight reduction cutouts 424 reduce the overall weight of the safety device 400, reduce air drag on the safety device 400, and provide visibility through the arm 408 when the arm 408 is in a deployed state. In the embodiment shown, the weight reduction cutouts 424 are shown as multiple weight reduction cutouts 424 that are triangular in shape and alternate upwards and downwards along the length of the arm 408. In other embodiments, the size, shape, and number of weight reduction cutouts 424 can vary. For example, weight reduction cutouts may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, or a combination of shapes with the same or different sizes.

The safety device 400 may be manufactured from a single sheet of material so that there is no need to provide mounting or connection portions or devices between the mounting bracket 420 and the STOP sign portion 404 and between the STOP sign portion 404 and the arm portion 408. The safety device 400 may be manufactured from fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, other metal, such as steel or stainless steel, or rubber. The safety device 400 may be formed by cutting or molding a material. In some embodiments, the safety device 400 is cut from a single sheet of material. In some embodiments, the safety device 400 is cut with a laser or CNC machine. In a preferred embodiment, the safety device 400 is laser cut from a single sheet of aluminum.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 19 , another embodiment of a safety device 500 is shown. The safety device 500 is very similar to the safety device 400 of FIG. 4 described above. The safety device 500 has a mounting bracket 520 on its proximate end 512 end is formed with mounting holes 522 for mounting the safety device 500 to a pivoting mount (e.g., 106 in FIG. 1 ) on a school bus, as described in relation to the safety device 400. The STOP sign portion 504 extends from the mounting bracket 520 toward the distal end 516 of the safety device 500. The safety device 500 also has weight reduction cutout 524, which provides the same function and has the same possible variations as described above in relation to the weight reduction cutouts 424 of the safety device 400. In the embodiment of FIG. 19 , there is only one weight reduction cutout 524, which is rectangular in shape.

The STOP sign portion 504 has a width dimension 503 or horizontal dimension. In some embodiments, the width dimension 503 is in the range of 1-2 feet. In some embodiments, the width dimension 503 is 1.5 feet. An arm 508 has a length dimension 505 or longitudinal dimension. In some embodiments, the length dimension 505 is in the range of 2-6 feet. In some embodiments, the length dimension 505 is in 4 feet 4¼ inches. The arm 508 has height dimension 509 or vertical dimension. In some embodiments, the height dimension 509 is in the range of 3-8 inches. In some embodiments, the height dimension 509 is 6 inches. The safety device 500 has height dimension 507 or vertical dimension. In some embodiments, the height dimension 507 is in the range of 1.5-2.5 feet. In some embodiments, the height dimension 507 is 1 foot 10 inches.

However, the safety device 500 varies from the safety device 400 in that the safety device 500 is a multiple-piece safety device, e.g., a two-piece safety device, wherein the STOP sign portion 504 and the mounting bracket 520 form a first half 548 of the safety device 500, and the arm portion 508 and mounting ears 528 form a second half 544 of the safety device 500. The mounting ears 528 extend from the top of a proximate end 532 of the arm portion 508 and provide a mounting space for attaching the first half 548 of the safety device 500 with the second half 544 of the safety device 500, using mounting holes 536 end and fasteners. The mounting ears 528 are configured so that they provide maximum overlap with the lower portion of the STOP sign portion 504 but do not extend beyond the outer edges of the STOP sign portion 504 or interfere with light 540, which may be present in some embodiments. The light 540 activates when safety device 500 is in a deployed state to provide additional driver visibility.

In some embodiments, the safety device 500 is made of the multiple portions, e.g., two halves 544, 548 of the safety device 500, attached together as a single unit. In these embodiments, the safety device 500 may be used as OEM equipment or installed on a bus without an existing pivoting stop sign. In other embodiments, the safety device 500 is only the second half 544 of the safety device 500 described above, which is the half containing the arm portion 508 and the mounting ears 528. These embodiments of the safety device 500 can be used to retro fit a bus that already has a pivoting stop sign similar to the STOP sign portion 504. In these embodiments, the safety device is attached to the existing pivoting stop sign of a bus.

Either variation of the safety device 500 described above may be manufactured from fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, other metal, such as steel or stainless steel, or rubber. The safety device 500 may be formed by cutting or molding a material. In some embodiments, the safety device 500 is cut from a single sheet of material. In some embodiments, the safety device 500 is cut with a laser or CNC machine. In an embodiment, the safety device 500 is laser cut from a single sheet of aluminum.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 20 , another illustrative embodiment of a safety device 600 is shown. The safety device 600 is shown. The safety device 600 is similar to safety device 400 in that safety device 600 incorporates a first STOP sign portion 604, a mounting bracket 620, an arm portion 608, with a weight reduction cutout 624 cut out of the arm portion 608. The safety device 600 has a proximate end 612 and a distal end 616. Like described in relation to the safety device 400 in relation to FIG. 18 , the mounting bracket 620 is located on the proximate end 612 of the safety device 600 and includes mounting holes 622 for mounting the safety device 600 onto a pivoting mount (e.g., 106 in FIG. 1 ) of a school bus. The first STOP sign portion 604 extends from the mounting bracket 620 away from the proximate end 612 of the safety device 600. In the safety device 600 the arm portion 608 extends from the first STOP sign portion 604 toward the distal end 616 of the safety device 600. The arm portion 608 contains a weight reduction cutout 624, which is similar to weight reduction cutout 424 of FIG. 18 and may be formed with the variations as described in relation to weight reduction cutout 424. The safety device 600 differs from the safety device 400 of FIG. 18 in that the safety device's 600 distal end 616 is not terminated by the arm portion 608. Instead, a second STOP sign portion 628 extends from the arm portion 608 to form the distal end 616 of the safety device 600. The second STOP sign portion 628 is a second stop sign to provide additional visibility to drivers to warn them of the need to stop for passengers that are leaving or entering a bus. Like the first STOP sign portion 604, the second STOP sign portion 628 has the word STOP printed on the front and back. In some embodiments, the second STOP sign portion 628 contains additional weight reduction cutouts 624 of various sizes and shapes to reduce the overall weight and wind resistance of the safety device 600 while maintaining structural integrity of the safety device 600.

The first STOP sign portion 604 has width dimension 603 or longitudinal dimension. In some embodiments, the width dimension 603 is in the range of 1-2 feet. In some embodiments, the width dimension 603 is 1.5 feet. The arm 608 has length dimension 605 or longitudinal dimension. In some embodiments, the length dimension 605 is in the range of 1-3 feet. In some embodiments, the length dimension 605 is in 1 foot 11 inches. The arm 608 has height dimension 609 or vertical dimension. In some embodiments, the height dimension 609 is in the range of 3-8 inches. In some embodiments, the height dimension 609 is 6 inches. The safety device 600 has height dimension 607. In some embodiments, the height dimension 607 is in the range of 1.5-2.5 feet. In some embodiments, the height dimension 607 is 1 foot 6 inches. The safety device 600 has overall longitudinal length 611. In some embodiments, the overall length 611 is in the range of 3-8 feet. In some embodiments, overall length 611 is 5 feet.

Like the safety device 400, the safety device 600 may be a one-piece safety device without a need for attaching together the mounting bracket 620, the first STOP sign portion 604, the arm portion 608, and the second STOP sign portion 628. In some embodiments, constituent components may be coupled. The safety device 600 may be manufactured from fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, other metal, such as steel or stainless steel. The safety device 600 may be formed by cutting or molding a material. In some embodiments, the safety device 600 is cut from a single sheet of material. In some embodiments, the safety device 600 is cut with a laser or CNC machine. In an embodiment, the safety device 600 is laser cut from a single sheet of aluminum.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 21 , an illustrative embodiment of a safety device 700 is shown. The safety device 700 is similar to the safety device 400 of FIG. 4 , having an arm portion 708, a STOP sign portion 704, and a mounting bracket 720. The principal difference between the safety device 400 of FIG. 4 and the safety device 700 of FIG. 18 is that arm portion 708 is a two-part arm portion having a first arm section 712 and a second arm section 716. The first arm section 712 and the second arm section 716 are attached together by spring-loaded hinge 732. The hinge 732 allows the second arm section 716 to pivot relative to the first arm section 712. When the safety device 700 is pivoted from a non-deployed state to a deployed state, the arm portion 708 swings outward away from the side of a bus. If an object such as a car, another bus, or a person is within the trajectory of the pivoting safety device 700, a distal end 724 or some portion of the second arm section 716 of the safety device 700 will contact the object. This may cause injury or damage to the safety device 700, object, or person. The hinge 732 is able to prevent or reduce such damage or injury by allowing the second arm portion 716 to pivot backwards, away from the direction of pivot of the safety device 700 relative to the school bus, when the safety device 700 is deployed and contacts an object. This allows for the second arm section 716 to fold backwards and to prevent or reduce damage or injury. In some embodiments, the hinge 732 is spring-loaded to keep the first arm portion 712 and the second arm portion 716 in line with each other until the force of the second arm portion 712 overcomes a spring loaded tension of hinge 732, at which point hinge 732 moves thereby pivoting the second arm section to reduce the impact on an object or person. In some embodiments, the hinge 732 is spring loaded so that once the second section 716 of arm portion 708 is no longer in contact with an object or person, a spring loaded tension of hinge 732 forces the realignment of the first arm section 712 with the second arm section 716. In some embodiments, the hinge 732 may be spring-loaded in two directions. In that case, impact or retraction of the arm may also be accounted for.

It should be understood that while the safety device 700 with the hinge 732 is described as a variation of the safety device 400, any of the arm portions of the herein described embodiments of safety devices may be modified to so that the arm portion is a multi-piece arm portion with one or more hinged connections to provide the advantages described above. Furthermore, it should be understood that other modifications to the arm portion of a safety device as described herein, may be applied to the arm 708 of safety device 732. For example, weight reduction cutouts and additional STOP signs may be added, as described in relation to other embodiments herein.

The safety device 700 also has notches 728 cut out from the distal end 724 of the arm 708. The notches 728 are sized and configured to receive lights (not shown) that are mounted on the distal end 724 of arm 708 or wrapped around notches 728. In some embodiments, the lights have a mounting surface that conforms to the shape of the distal end 724 of arm 708.

Now primarily referring to FIG. 22 , another embodiment of a safety device 800 is shown. The safety device 800 is a retrofit safety device that is intended to be attached to an existing pivoting stop sign (104 in FIG. 1 ) attached to a school bus. The safety device 800 has a proximate end 804 and a distal end 808. The safety device 800 has an arm portion 812 and a bracket portion 816. The bracket portion 816 is located near the proximate end 804 of the safety arm 800. The bracket portion 816 is formed with bracket tabs 820 which extend upward from the arm portion 812 to form a slot 824 as mounting locations for attachment of the safety device 800 to a stop sign. The slot 824 is formed so as to receive the lower edge of a stop sign. The safety device 800 is attached to the stop sign with bolts or screws or other fasteners through mounting holes 828.

The safety device 800 is made of a clear or translucent material such as plastic. The front of arm portion may have the word “STOP” or other visual indicia on the front or back of the arm portion. The safety device 800 further has integral lights 832 within the arm portion 812 so that when the lighting is activated, the word “STOP” or other visual indicia is back lit to provide visibility to drivers. In the alternative, the word “STOP” may be formed of lights that activate when the safety device 800 is deployed so that drivers approaching the school bus from the front and the back can see the word “STOP.”

Referring now primarily to FIG. 23 , which depicts a modification to the arm portion of the above-described embodiments of safety devices. In this modification, arm portion 900 may be cut from a single sheet of material, as described in relation to some embodiments above. However, in this variation of the arm portion 900, the arm portion 900 is formed with an additional tab 904 at the distal end 908 of the arm portion 900. The distal end 908 of arm portion 900 being the end that is further from a school bus when the safety device is deployed. The tab 904, prior to installation on a school bus, is bent backwards at approximately 90 degrees to the remainder of arm portion 900, as shown in FIG. 23 , so that when the safety device is installed on a bus and is in the non-deployed state, the remainder of arm portion is primarily parallel to the side of the school bus and the tab 904 extends perpendicular toward that side of the school bus. In this configuration, the tab 904 prevents the distal end 908 of the arm portion 900 from slapping into the side of the bus and therefore causing damages to the arm portion 900 or to the school bus. In some embodiments, tab portion 904 is covered with a rubber bumper 912 to further reduce damage to the arm portion 900 or the school bus.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 24 and 25 , an alternative embodiment of a safety device is depicted. This alternative embodiment provides the ability to temporarily remove the arm portion 1004 of a safety device when it is not needed and to easily reattach the arm portion 1004 when it is needed. This variation of the safety device may be applied to and incorporated into many of the above-described safety devices. In this variation, the arm portion 1004 is designed to be slidably received into a bracket portion 1008 of a safety device. The bracket portion 1008 has mounting ears 1012, which are the same as described in relation to the mounting ears 528 of the safety device 500 of FIG. 19 described above. The mounting ears 1012 are designed to receive and mount to a pivoting stop sign on a school bus. The mounting bracket is mounted to the stop sign with bolts or screws or other fasteners through mounting holes 1016. The mounting bracket 1008 has slot 1020, which is designed and configured to receive the proximate end 1024 of arm portion 1004, so that the arm portion 1004 slides into the slot 1020 and mounting holes 1028 of the arm portion 1004 align with mounting holes 1032 of the bracket portion 1008. The bracket portion 1008 is attached to the arm portion 1004 with bolts or screws or other fasteners through the mounting holes 1028, 1032. Alternatively, quick release pins or connectors may be used to affix the arm portion 1004 to the bracket portion 1008, to facilitate the quick disassembly and reassembly of the arm portion 1004 and bracket portion 1008.

In another illustrative embodiment, the sign and arm are formed using a one-piece transparent or translucent material. In this case, the stop sign is also translucent. In another illustrative embodiment, the arm that extends beyond the stop sign is attached using strong magnets where the stop sign is metal. The ears on the bracket can have a magnetic field rather than bolts. This makes for easier installation and the ability to move it to other buses quickly.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment. 

What is claimed:
 1. A safety device for a school bus comprising: a stop sign portion sized and configured to couple to a motor-driven pivotable mount attached to the school bus on a side; an arm portion, wherein the arm portion is joined to the stop sign portion; a mounting bracket, wherein the mounting bracket is joined to the stop sign portion; wherein the stop sign portion, the arm portion, and the mounting bracket are formed from one piece of material.
 2. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the arm portion has one or more weight reduction cutouts within the interior area of the arm portion.
 3. The safety device of claim 2, wherein the one or more weight reduction cutouts are triangular in shape.
 4. The safety device of claim 3, wherein the material is aluminum.
 5. The safety device of claim 3, wherein the material is fiberglass.
 6. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the arm portion has a longitudinal length greater than two feet.
 7. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is attached to a motor-driven pivotable mount on the school bus.
 8. The safety device of claim 1, having a second stop sign portion joined to the arm portion.
 9. A safety device for a school bus having a rotatable sign coupled to an exterior side of the school bus, the safety device comprising: an arm portion, one or more mounting ears joined to the arm portion for mounting the safety device to the sign, wherein the mounting ears are configured and sized to not extend beyond an outer edge of the sign and to not interfere with a light on the sign; wherein the arm portion and the one or more mounting ears are formed from one piece of material; and wherein the arm portion has one or more weight reduction cutouts within the interior area of the arm portion.
 10. The safety device of claim 9 wherein the material is aluminum.
 11. The safety device of claim 9 wherein the material is fiberglass.
 12. The safety device of claim 9 wherein the one or more weight reduction cutouts are triangular in shape.
 13. The safety device of claim 9, wherein the sign is a stop sign with a mounting bracket joined to the stop sign for attaching the stop sign to a motor-driven pivotable mount on a school bus.
 14. A safety device for mounting to a pivoting stop sign on a school bus, the safety device comprising: a first bracket having a slot for receiving a portion of the pivoting sign, wherein the first bracket is formed from a polymer material that is transparent or translucent; an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the first bracket, wherein the arm has a longitudinal length in the range of two feet to six feet and wherein the arm is at least partially formed from a transparent or translucent material; and a plurality of lights coupled to the arm.
 15. The safety device of claim 14, further comprising reflective safety tape coupled to the arm along the longitudinal length of the arm.
 16. The safety device of claim 14, wherein the arm comprises fiberglass.
 17. The safety device of claim 14, wherein the first bracket comprises a clear polycarbonate material.
 18. The safety device of claim 14, wherein the first bracket has a vertical dimension in the range of 6 to 10 inches.
 19. The safety device of claim 14, wherein the first bracket has a plurality of apertures through the first bracket, and further comprising a plurality of fasteners extending through the plurality of apertures and pulling opposite sides of the slot towards each other.
 20. The safety device of claim 14, wherein a lateral cross section of the arm has a first bulb on a top end and a second bulb on a second end. 